AJ the Irish Lass' Ramblings

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As a rule, I leave politics out of my blog posts, secular OR Church-related. Politics in general and certain issues related to Church polity, it seems, can’t be discussed civilly.

However, a few things have happened recently that have been on my mind with the election drawing closer. Political discourse has gotten very ugly as of late. I’ve never seen so much finger-pointing, making accusations and general smearing as I have recently.

One of the best things about living in the US  is the freedom to believe as we like. However, for some people, simply having an opposing viewpoint is treated as a disease to be cured. When the discussion turns to attacking the “other guys”, instead of criticizing the argument rationally, that’s when it becomes a problem.

Being rude in our dealings with others can harm our witness as Christians. Examples include an anonymous letter to an Episcopal priest attacking a difference in religious beliefs, and a woman known to me who attacks everyone who disagrees with her on politics in a nasty way, while claiming to be a good Catholic. Sometimes we need to ask ourselves whether our behavior would motivate others to want to be Christians.

When dealing with any tough issues, ask yourself the following:

• Is my response edifying?
• Will it be a blessing to others?
• Am I helping or hindering someone by how I represent Christianity?